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Question:
There seems to be a lot of hype about the benefits of CoQ10. Can you separate out the hype and tell me if I really need this supplement? It is expensive, but if it delivers what it promises it is well worth it.
Answer:
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is involved in the manufacture of ATP, the energy currency of all body processes. A good analogy for CoQ10's role is similar to the role of a spark plug in a car engine. Just as the car cannot function without that initial spark, the human body cannot function without CoQ10. CoQ10 is also a very good antioxidant.
Although CoQ10 can be manufactured within the body, there is a growing list of diseases that benefit from additional CoQ10. Heart diseases such as angina, high blood pressure, mitral valve prolapse, and congestive heart failure top the list. If you have any heart disease, are over 60 years of age, or take cholesterol-lowering drugs or beta-blockers, you may benefit from CoQ10 supplementation at a dosage of 100 to 300 mg per day. Otherwise, I recommend eating more plant foods as blood levels of CoQ10 are considerably higher (more than double) in vegetarians indicating that a high intake of plant foods may lead to higher CoQ10 levels.
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